St. Stephen's Art Show, Once a Simple Hot Dog Stand, Now a Nationally Important Event

Kozak featured jewelry piece.

MIAMI, FL.- Entering its 22nd year, the highly anticipated St. Stephens Art Show (SSAS) will be celebrating its three-day long festival from Saturday, February 13th through Monday, February 15th, 2010. The show is presented by St. Stephens Episcopal Church, a 100 year resident in Coconut Grove, which is celebrating its Centennial in 2010. The show, known as one of South Floridas most popular outdoor arts festivals, will take place on the grounds of St. Stephens Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road) in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida.

The St. Stephens Art Show started out as a simple hot dog stand during the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and has grown into a nationally important industry event that stands alone. Ranked top in the country by Artist Magazine and Sunshine Artist Magazine, the St. Stephens Art Show is a not-for-profit event that helps raise funds for outreach programs in the Coconut Grove and Miami area. The shows proceeds allow St. Stephens to offer a range of cultural, spiritual and entertainment activities to the community, as part of its vision to be The Heart of the Grove, and Reaching Beyond.

The St. Stephens Church went from just a hot dog stand to a top ranked Fine Art show yet never changed where the money goes, said Daisy Lewis, Show Director. Multiple parish programs and ministries, collaborative partner charities and at least a dozen free programs are supported by the dollars raised in this one weekend of beautiful art, adds Lewis.

This years Centennial celebration at the show will feature local and accomplished artists from across the nation that have been accepted into the show for ten years or more as well as a purposeful sampling of brand new artists never seen at the show before. The art diaspora is meant to represent the St. Stephens Centennial slogan of The Heart of the Grove for 100 years & beyond. The highlighted Centennial artists include one of Floridas original Highwaymen painters and nationally renowned artist, James Gibson who has presented at St. Stephens for over 10 of the 22 years; sculpture artist and 2009 SSAS award winner, Estella Fransbergen; and highlighted new artists are Arizona native and ceramics award winner, Richard Kausalik; and handcrafted jeweler, Joyce Nelson, who is also a Coconut Grove resident.

Personally, its a good show and you get to meet other accomplished artists and the atmosphere is real great. At St. Stephens Art Show you get a chance to learn about other people around the world, said artist James Gibson. I think its really special when they come around and bless your art. Its the number one show I go to, adds Gibson.

The art show will be open all three days from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and will feature long standing artists and award winners, as well as a published book about the history of the church to commemorate its Centennial. For a $1 entry fee, visitors can enjoy artwork from more than 160 renowned artists, an international food court, childrens activity area, an authentic English tea room and musical entertainment, all on the shady campus of St. Stephens Episcopal Church and School.